Instrumentation and Control

Technician
On-the-Job Training Guide
2019
Online: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

Recognition:
To promote transparency and consistency, this document has been adapted from the 2013
Instrumentation and Control Technician National Occupational Analysis (Employment and Social
Development Canada).

A complete version of the Occupational Analysis can be found at www.red-seal.ca

1 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019

STRUCTURE OF THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
GUIDE
To facilitate understanding of the occupation, this on-the-job training guide contains the following
sections:

Description of the Instrumentation and Control Technician trade: an overview of the trade’s duties
and training requirements.

Essential Skills Summary: an overview of how each of the nine essential skills is applied in this trade.

Harmonization: a brief description on the pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative for the Instrumentation
and Control Technician trade.

Task Matrix: a chart which outlines graphically the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks of this
standard detailing the essential skills and the level of training where the content is covered.
Major Work Activity (MWA): the largest division within the standard that is comprised of a distinct set
of trade activities.
Task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a major work activity.
Sub-task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a task.

On-the-Job and In-school Training Content for the Instrumentation and Control Technician Trade:
a chart which outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to
prepare for topics of technical training.

2 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENTATION AND
CONTROL TECHNICIAN TRADE
Instrumentation and Control Technicians maintain, diagnose, calibrate and repair measurement and
control systems in commercial and industrial settings.

Instrumentation and control technicians are knowledgeable in overall plant systems and the interactions
of processes. They install and service a variety of systems including safety and security, energy delivery
(hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical), communication, and process control systems. They also install and
service measuring and indicating instruments to monitor process control variables, monitor the operation
of equipment and measure the characteristics of the material within a process. Instrumentation and
control technicians work with final control devices such as valves, actuators and positioners to manipulate
the process medium. They install and terminate electrical, pneumatic and fluid connections. They also
work on network and signal transmission systems such as fibre optic and wireless.

Along with the calibration, repair, adjustment and replacement of components, instrumentation and
control technicians inspect and test the operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults and
verify repairs. They establish and optimize process control strategies, and configure related systems such
as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), Human Machine
Interfaces (HMIs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Instrumentation and
control technicians maintain backups, documentation and software revisions as part of maintaining these
computer-based control systems. Scheduled maintenance and the commissioning of systems are also
important aspects of the work. Instrumentation and control technicians consult technical documentation,
drawings, schematics and manuals. They may assist engineering in plant design, modification and hazard
analysis, and work with plant operators to optimize plant controls.

Instrumentation and control technicians use hand, power and electronic tools, test equipment, and
material handling equipment. They work on a range of instruments including primary control elements,
transmitters, analyzers, sensors, detectors, signal conditioners, recorders, controllers and final control
elements. These instruments measure and control variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, level,
motion, force and chemical composition.

Instrumentation and control technicians work in various industrial sectors such as pulp and paper/fibre
processing; nuclear, thermal and hydro power generation; mining; petrochemical; oil and gas; steel; water
treatment; manufacturing; and industrial/commercial instrument servicing.

When performing their duties, instrumentation and control technicians must comply with federal,
jurisdictional, industrial and site-specific standards, codes and regulations. They must ensure that all
processes operate and are maintained within these set standards, codes and regulations. Keeping up-to-
date with advances in technology in industry and the trade is important.

Instrumentation and control technicians can work in hazardous environments where they may be exposed
to confined spaces, heights, noise, dust, cold and heat. There may also be risks with working with
chemicals, gases, radiation, laser equipment and substances under pressure.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are manual dexterity, attention to detail, strong problem
solving skills, communication skills, technological aptitude and mathematical and scientific aptitude.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with other tradespersons and professionals such as
process operators, steamfitters/pipefitters, industrial mechanics (millwrights), electricians and engineers.

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With experience, instrumentation and control technicians may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices
in the trade. They may also move into supervisory, design, advanced control, training, sales and other
related positions.

Training Requirements: 6800 hours (4 years) including: four 10-week training sessions at
Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Moose Jaw.

Journeyperson to apprentice ratio for this trade is: 1:2

The information contained in this document serves as a guide for employers and apprentices.
Apprenticeship training is mutually beneficial to both employer and apprentice. The employer’s
investment in training apprentices results in skilled and certified workers. The document summarizes the
tasks to be covered by the apprentice during their on-the-job portion of apprenticeship training. An
apprentice spends approximately 85% of their apprenticeship term training on-the-job.

It is the employer’s or journeyperson’s responsibility to supervise an apprentice’s practical skills

development until a satisfactory level of proficiency has been reached.

EMPLOYER TRAINING RESPONSIBILITY

• expose the apprentice to all appropriate equipment
• provide guided, hands-on practice in the set-up, safe operation, calibration and
• performance evaluation of measurement and control systems
• demonstrate the techniques for installation, servicing, maintenance and
• calibration
• where possible, expose the apprentice to new technology in the trade.

Employers should make every effort to expose their apprentices to work experience in as many areas of
the trade as possible.

In the On-the-Job Training Guide, in-school instruction is listed first; on-the-job suggestions to help
employers assist the apprentice to prepare for in-school training are listed next.

The content of the training components is subject to change without notice.

Entrance Requirements for Apprenticeship Training

Your grade twelve transcript (with no modified classes) or GED 12 is your guarantee that you meet the
educational entrance requirements for apprenticeship in Saskatchewan. In fact, employers prefer and
recommend apprentices who have completed high school. This ensures the individual has all of the
necessary skills required to successfully complete the apprenticeship program, and receive
journeyperson certification.

Individuals with “modified” or “general” classes in math or science do not meet our entry requirements.
These individuals are required to take an entrance assessment prescribed by the SATCC.

English is the language of instruction in all apprenticeship programs and is the common language for
business in Saskatchewan. Before admission, all apprentices and/or “upgraders” must be able to
understand and communicate in the English language. Applicants whose first language is not English
must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six (CLB6).

Note: A CLB assessment is valid for a one-year period from date of issue.

4 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019

 Designated Trade Name Math Credit at the Indicated Science Credit at Grade
Grade Level Level
Instrumentation and Control Grade 11 Grade 10
Technician
 - (One of the following) WA – Workplace and Apprenticeship; or F – Foundations; or P – Pre-
calculus, or a Math at the indicated grade level (Modified and General Math credits are not
acceptable.).

*Applicants who have graduated in advance of 2015-2016, or who do not have access to the revised
Science curricula will require a Science at the minimum grade level indicated by trade.

For information about high school curriculum, including Math and Science course names, please see:
http://www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca/#

Individuals not meeting the entrance requirements will be subject to an assessment

and any required training

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS SUMMARY
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other
skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies
have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and
throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be
better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a
tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

• understand how essential skills are used in the trades;

• learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
• improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.

The tools are available online or for order at: www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/profiles/index.shtml

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge
which support each sub-task of the trade. The most important essential skills for each sub-task have also
been identified. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken
from the essential skills profile. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at
www.red-seal.ca.

READING
Instrumentation and control technicians require reading skills to locate and interpret technical information
for their trade. These texts include technical articles about new products and industry practices, bulletins
from manufacturers and on health and safety, calibration and service guides, incident reports,
procedures, manuals and notes.

DOCUMENT USE
Instrumentation and control technicians locate and interpret information in both print and electronic
formats. Types of documents referenced include computer printouts with numeric information, supplier
catalogue listings and engineering documentation such as forms, graphs, tables, charts, schematics,
assembly diagrams and drawings. They may also create documents such as on-site sketches and
detailed schematics, assembly drawings, graphs and charts.

WRITING
Writing skills are used by instrumentation and control technicians to create parts lists, maintenance
schedules, and inspection reports. Instrumentation and control technicians write procedures for the
control and operation of equipment and to troubleshoot faults. They use writing skills when
communicating through e-mail and providing status updates in logbooks.

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ORAL COMMUNICATION
In order to coordinate work, instrumentation and control technicians interact with other tradespeople such
as steamfitter/pipefitters, welders, machinists, electricians and industrial mechanics (millwrights). They
may also discuss systems design and problems with supervisors and engineers, and provide expert
advice and opinion. Instrumentation and control technicians also exchange technical repair and
troubleshooting information and speak to process operators about equipment and machinery breakdown.
At times, they may make formal presentations to explain monitoring procedures or new equipment.

NUMERACY
Instrumentation and control technicians must apply measurement and calculation, data analysis and
numerical estimation skills to their tasks. Some of these tasks include measuring analyzer malfunctions,
calculating flow, calculating volume displacement, monitoring pressure, interpreting deviations on graphs,
and comparing values and measurements. Instrumentation and control technicians evaluate sets of data
collected from tests and simulations to troubleshoot faults, assess equipment performance and assess
the progress of wear.

THINKING
Instrumentation and control technicians troubleshoot malfunctions, take corrective measures to avoid
potential hazards and decide whether to repair or replace components based on time and cost factors.
They plan and organize maintenance schedules, the installation of new machinery and the tradespeople
assigned to install the machinery. Instrumentation and control technicians must be able to think quickly
and synthesize the information at hand to deal with emergencies such as serious equipment malfunctions
that could cause injury, or property and environmental damage.

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Even though instrumentation and control technicians often work alone, they may also work with other
tradespeople, professionals and process operators. Instrumentation and control technicians work with
process operators to ensure instrumentation is properly maintained and emergencies are handled quickly.
They work with other tradespeople to perform functions such as testing transmitters or controllers, and
installing control valves. Instrumentation and control technicians sometimes work as part of a crew, for
example when running wires. In doing so they may fill the role of either team member or team leader on
project teams

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Instrumentation and control technicians install and service programmable process control systems such
as PLCs, DCSs, SCADA systems and HMIs. They may use hand-held digital devices to configure settings
and to access data such as measurement and operational values. Instrumentation and control
technicians may use word processing software, databases, spreadsheets, communication software and
devices, the Internet, and computer-assisted design (CAD), manufacturing or machining software
depending on the task at hand.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Instrumentation and control technicians may attend training in areas that are new or continually evolving
in the trade such as safety, digital technology and more sophisticated computer applications relating to
process control. They may attend technical courses offered by suppliers’ representatives covering new
equipment, as well as team leadership/communication seminars. Continuous learning also occurs
through the reading of technical literature and by troubleshooting.

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HARMONIZATION
At the request of industry, the Harmonization Initiative was launched in 2013 to substantively align
apprenticeship systems across Canada by making training requirements more consistent in the Red Seal
trades. Harmonization aims to improve the mobility of apprentices, support an increase in their completion
rates and enable employers to access a larger pool of apprentices.

As part of this work, the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) identified four main
harmonization priorities in consultation with industry and training stakeholders:

1. Trade name
The official Red Seal name for this trade is Instrumentation and Control Technician.

2. Number of Levels of Apprenticeship

The number of levels of technical training recommended for the Instrumentation and Control Technician
trade is four.

3. Total Training Hours during Apprenticeship Training

The total hours of training, including both on-the-job and in-school training for the Instrumentation and
Control Technician trade is 6800.

4. Consistent sequencing of training content (at each level) using the most recent
Occupational Standard
Implementation for harmonization will take place progressively. Level one to be implemented in 2021.

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 INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL
TECHNICIAN TASK MATRIX CHART
This chart outlines the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks from the 2013 Instrumentation and
Control Technician National Occupational Analysis.

The Task Matrix Chart will be updated every year until Harmonization implementation is complete.
Implementation for harmonization will take place progressively. Level one to be implemented in 2021.

A – COMMON OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS

A-1 Performs safety-related 1.01 Maintains safe 1.02 Uses personal 1.03 Performs de-
functions work environment protective energizing, lock-
equipment (PPE) out and tag-out
and safety procedures
equipment

1 1 1

A-2 Organizes work 2.01 Uses diagrams, 2.02 Plans tasks

drawings and
schematics

1 1,2,3

A-3 Performs routine trade 3.01 Maintains 3.02 Maintains 3.03 Maintains 3.04 Operates
activities calibration, tools documentation. material handling
configuration and equipment
test equipment

1 1 1,3 1

B – PROCESS MEASURING AND INDICATING DEVICES

B-4 Installs and services 4.01 Installs 4.02 Maintains 4.03 Diagnoses 4.04 Repairs
pressure, temperature, level and pressure, pressure, pressure, pressure,
flow devices temperature, level temperature, level temperature, level temperature, level
and flow devices and flow devices and flow devices and flow devices

1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2

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B-5 Installs and services motion, 5.01 Installs 5.02 Maintains 5.03 Diagnoses 5.04 Repairs
speed, position and vibration motion, speed, motion, speed, motion, speed, motion, speed,
devices position and position and position and position and
vibration devices vibration devices vibration devices vibration devices

3 3 3 3

B-6 Installs and services mass, 6.01 Installs mass, 6.02 Maintains 6.03 Diagnoses 6.04 Repairs mass,
density and consistency devices density and mass, density and mass, density and density and
consistency consistency consistency consistency
devices devices devices devices

3 3 3 3

B-7 Installs and services process 7.01 Installs 7.02 Maintains 7.03 Diagnoses 7.04 Repairs
analyzers process analyzers process analyzers process analyzers process analyzers

3 3 3 3

B-8 Installs and services multiple 8.01 Installs 8.02 Maintains 8.03 Diagnoses 8.04 Repairs
variable computing devices multiple variable multiple variable multiple variable multiple variable
computing devices computing devices computing devices computing devices

4 4 4 4

C – SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

C-9 Installs and services safety 9.01 Installs safety 9.02 Maintains 9.03 Diagnoses 9.04 Repairs safety
systems and devices systems and safety systems and safety systems and systems and
devices devices devices devices

4 4 4 4

C-10 Installs and services facility 10.01 Installs 10.02 Maintains 10.03 Diagnoses 10.04 Repairs
security systems. (NOT COMMON facility security facility security facility security facility security
CORE) systems. (NOT systems. (NOT systems. (NOT systems. (NOT
COMMON CORE) COMMON CORE) COMMON CORE) COMMON CORE)

C-11 Installs and services safety 11.01 Installs SISs 11.02 Configures 11.03 Maintains 11.04 Diagnoses 11.05 Repairs
instrumented systems (SISs) SISs SISs SISs SISs

4 4 4 4 4

D – HYDRAULIC, PNEUMATIC AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

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D-12 Installs and services control 12.01 Installs 12.02 Maintains 12.03 Diagnoses 12.04 Repairs
devices for hydraulic systems control devices for control devices for control devices for control devices for
hydraulic systems hydraulic systems hydraulic systems hydraulic systems

1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2

D-13 Installs and services 13.01 Installs 13.02 Maintains 13.03 Diagnoses 13.04 Repairs
pneumatic equipment pneumatic pneumatic pneumatic pneumatic
equipment equipment equipment equipment

1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2

D-14 Installs and services 14.01 Installs 14.02 Maintains 14.03 Diagnoses 14.04 Repairs
electrical and electronic electrical and electrical and electrical and electrical and
equipment electronic electronic electronic electronic
equipment equipment equipment equipment

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

E – FINAL CONTROL DEVICES

E-15 Installs and services valves 15.01 Installs valves 15.02 Maintains 15.03 Diagnoses 15.04 Repairs
valves valves valves

2 2 2 2

E-16 Installs and services 16.01 Installs 16.02 Maintains 16.03 Diagnoses 16.04 Repairs
actuators actuators actuators actuators actuators

2 2 2 2

E-17 Installs and services 17.01 Installs 17.02 Maintains 17.03 Diagnoses 17.04 Repairs
positioners positioners positioners positioners positioners

2 2 2 2

E-18 Configures and services 18.01 Configures 18.02 Maintains 18.03 Diagnoses 18.04 Repairs VSDs
variable speed drives (VSDs) VSDs VSDs VSDs

3 3 3 3

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F – COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

F-19 Installs and services control 19.01 Performs 19.02 Diagnoses 19.03 Performs
network systems installation and control network maintenance and
configuration on systems repairs on control
control network network systems
systems

3 3 3

F-20 Installs and services signal 20.01 Performs 20.02 Diagnoses 20.03 Performs
converters installation and signal converters maintenance and
configuration of repairs on signal
signal converters converters

3 3 3

F-21 Installs and services 21.01 Performs 21.02 Diagnoses 21.03 Performs
gateways, bridges and media installation and gateways, bridges maintenance and
converters configuration of and media repairs on gateways,
gateways, bridges converters bridges and media
and media converters
converters

3 3 3

G – CONTROL SYSTEMS AND PROCESS CONTROL

G-22 Establishes and optimizes 22.01 Determines 22.02 Optimizes

process control strategies process control process control
strategy

3,4 3,4

G-23 - Installs and services stand- 23.01 Installs SACs 23.02 Configures 23.03 Performs
alone controllers (SACs) SACs maintenance,
diagnostics and
repairs on SACs

3,4 3,4 3,4

G-24 Installs and services 24.01 Installs PLCs 24.02 Configures 24.03 Performs
programmable logic controllers PLCs maintenance,
(PLCs) diagnosis and
repairs on PLCs

4 4 4

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G-25 Installs and services 25.01 Installs DCSs 25.02 Configures 25.03 Performs
distributed control systems DCSs maintenance,
(DSCs) diagnosis and
repairs on DCSs

4 4 4

G-26 Installs and services human 26.01 Installs HMIs 26.02 Configures 26.03 Performs
machine interface (HMIs) HMIs maintenance,
diagnosis and
repairs on HMIs

4 4 4

G-27 Installs and services 27.01 Installs 27.02 Configures 27.03 Performs
supervisory control and data SCADA systems SCADA systems maintenance,
acquisition (SCADA) systems diagnosis and
repairs on SCADA
systems

4 4 4

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ON-THE-JOB AND IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
CONTENT FOR THE INSTRUMENTATION AND
CONTROL TECHNICIAN TRADE
This chart outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to prepare
for the topics of technical training. Topics of technical training are provided with the associated learning
outcomes.

Level One 10 weeks 300 hours

Physics 30 hours
• calculate the pressures of static and moving liquids
• examine the expansion and contraction properties of materials with
temperature
• compare how matter stores heat with temperature changes
• classify three forms of heat transfer
• demonstrate four methods of vector addition
• differentiate between work, power and energy
• compare the mechanical advantage of simple machines
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• exposure to the force-balance principles of instruments and applications
• explaining the principle of thermo-dynamics as it applies to temperature measurement
• encouraging the review of manuals to understand the theory of operation

Basic Electronics – Theory 50 hours

• analyse/measure current, voltage and resistance in an electrical circuit
• analyse Ohm’s law, power and energy
• analyse series, parallel and combination circuits
• analyse inductance and capacitance in simple RC and RL circuits
• determine r, x and z in AC circuits and resonant circuits
• measure characteristics of diodes
• evaluate dc rectifier circuits
• evaluate Zener diode circuits
Basic Electronics – Shop 50 hours
• measure current, voltage and resistance in an electrical circuit
• analyze Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws
• measure the equivalent resistance of series-parallel circuits
• evaluate various theorems
• evaluate ac measurements
• measure time constant of RC and RL circuits
• evaluate voltages and phase angles in AC circuits
• measure characteristics of diodes
• evaluate the rectified DC power supply using half-wave, full-wave and
bridge rectified configurations
• measure load regulations for Zener regulator circuits

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 Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• introducing the apprentice to the basic theory of ac and dc circuits
• exposure to the test equipment used in ac and dc circuits
• familiarisation with basic electronic schematics and diagrams

Instrument Measurement – Theory 60 hours

• evaluate instrument tube installation
• describe pressure measurement
• describe level measurement
• describe temperature measurement
• describe flow measurement
Instrument Measurement – Shop 50 hours
• install instrument tube lines
• measure pressure
• measure level
• measure temperature
• measure flow
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• exposure to various styles of tubing installations
• familiarisation with the test equipment and its application
• exposure to the installation, maintenance and calibration of field devices
• providing an explanation of the principles of operation for process application

Safety and Shop Practice 30 hours

• work safely in an industrial environment
• discuss dangerous gasses
• utilize tools in practical applications
• examine tools and equipment, their applications, maintenance and
procedures for use
• assemble piping and cable fittings and their associated components
• examine material handling equipment and accessories, their applications
and limitations
• explain the basics of oxy-acetylene cutting and welding
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing training in safe work practices
• providing hands-on experience in the use of precision measuring tools
• training in the use of common hand tools
• training in the safe start-up and use of oxyacetylene welding and cutting equipment
• training in electronic soldering

Mathematics 30 hours
• perform basic numerical computations
• perform basic algebraic operations
• perform basic trigonometry functions
• perform basic graphing with linear equations
• perform basic operations with exponentials and logarithms
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• instruction in mathematically determining outputs with given inputs
• training in basic unit conversions

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 Level Two 10 weeks 300 hours
Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) - Process Control 40 hours
Drawings
• interpret various technical drawings such as: process and instrument
(P&ID), loop and installation drawings
• develop isometric and orthographic drawings
• produce manual drafting of P&ID, loop and installation drawings
• use CAD to draw ISA symbols
• use CAD to draw instrument loop diagrams
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• exposure to instrumentation drawings
• training in basic drawings, including CAD

Electronics 90 hours
• analyze the fundamentals of solid state devices
• analyze the operation of transistors
• determine output voltages for various op-amp configurations
• convert base numbers
• analyze the characteristics of gates and truth tables
• design Boolean equations for logic diagrams
• evaluate flip-flops
• design counters and registers using gates and flip-flops
• investigate basic properties of logic families
• explain some of the general network topologies used in local area
networks (LANs)
• classify the various media used in the transmission of signals in LAN
systems
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• introducing the set up and operation of electronic equipment
• training in servicing and troubleshooting electronic circuits

Instrument Control – Theory 30 hours

• describe commonly used control theory terms and the two basic types of
control along with their modes
• draw a theoretical single, two, and three mode controller and explain its
principle of operation and calibration
• select the proper settings and tuning method of a controller as it pertains
to a specified process
• define advanced control techniques including cascade, feedforward, ratio,
and override
Instrument Control – Shop 30 hours
• employ commonly used control modes and terms as they apply to
pneumatic analogue controllers
• calibrate single, two, and three mode controllers
• tune single, two, and three mode controllers
• examine advanced control techniques including cascade, feedforward,
ratio, and override

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 Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing hands-on experience with controller tuning and process optimization
• providing exposure to different control strategies
• demonstration of controller auto/manual transfers

Final Control Elements – Theory 30 hours

• select valves for various applications
• select inherent flow characteristic for an application
• select control valve accessories
• describe control valve issues
• select methods to eliminate or minimize control valve problems
• examine I/P’s (current to pressure converters) transducers
• describe the use of asset management systems (AMS) for configuration
and I/P data input purposes
Final Control Elements – Shop 60 hours
• remove control valves from service
• disassemble control valve assemblies
• overhaul actuators
• rebuild valves
• service positioners
• select the inherent flow characteristic for an application
• select control valve accessories
• reassemble control valve assemblies
• calibrate control valve assemblies
• reinstall control valves back into service
• calibrate current to pressure transmitters (I/P's)
• apply asset management software for configuration and I/P data input
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing hands-on experience in control valve selection, installation, maintenance and
troubleshooting
• providing hands-on experience with valve accessories

Intrinsic Safety 20 hours

• classify hazardous areas
• state the conditions necessary for an explosion
• select various methods of explosion prevention
• identify principles of flameproof enclosures
• identify principles of intrinsic safety
• design an intrinsically safe system
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing training in instrumentation used in hazardous locations
• training in area classifications

Level Three 10 weeks 300 hours

Chemistry 40 hours
• demonstrate safe laboratory protocol
• outline the scientific process and the format for an experimental write-up
• perform quantitative physical measurement calculations

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 • classify periodic table elements
• examine the chemical nomenclature of ionic and molecular compounds
• solve problems involving variables in chemical calculations
• experiment with stoichiometric values in chemical reactions
• determine the conductivity of solutions based on solution concentrations
• contrast the pH of acid and base solutions
• examine the laws that govern the gaseous state of matter
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing exposure to the theory of analytical instrumentation
• making available the chemical theory of process

Computer Literacy 40 hours

• use a networked microcomputer system
• use the microcomputer data storage structure
• operate Microsoft Word
• operate Microsoft Excel
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• training in/allowing access to computer systems and software applications

Instrument Control 40 hours

• calibrate a digital controller
• tune a digital controller using process simulators or a process loop
• apply feedforward control
• apply override control
• control a process using the self-tune feature in a digital controller
• solve a multivariable control problem
• describe alternative control applications
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing continued hands-on experience with controller tuning and process optimization

Instrument Logic 40 hours

• connect a basic stop/start circuit using a standard relay
• connect field switches to produce automatic operation
• design automatic circuits employing interlocks and permissive
conditions
• connect sequential applications with relays
• explain the operation and features of Variable Frequency Drives and
electric actuators
• perform basic operations on PLC's
• design ladder logic applications for PLC's
• test PLC applications
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing training on the installation, programming and troubleshooting of PLCs and hard-wired
relay circuits

Analytical Instruments 40 hours

• describe analyzer sampling systems principles
• describe humidity measurement principles, troubleshooting and
calibration

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 • apply humidity measurement principles, troubleshooting and calibration
• describe turbidity measurement principles, troubleshooting and
calibration
• apply turbidity measurement principles, troubleshooting and calibration
• describe density measurement principles
• apply density measurement principles
• describe vibration measurement principles
• apply vibration measurement principles
• carry out analyzer servicing and calibration
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• ensuring the apprentice can convert metric to imperial for volume, capacity and mass as they
pertain to water
• assisting the apprentice to calculate rolling and jumper offsets
• having the apprentice demonstrate the calculation of pipe sizes and flow rates

Instrument Measurement 80 hours

• operate a hand held communicator
• configure a digital valve controller
• operate a documenting process calibrator
• calibrate conventional and smart transmitters
• investigate capacitance, thermal and resistive level transmitters
• investigate ultrasonic and radar level transmitters
• investigate radiation level transmitters
• investigate density transmitters
• investigate temperature transmitters
• configure a HART (Highway Addressable Transducer) vortex flowmeter
• configure a turbine flowmeter and totalizer
• configure a mass Coriolis flowmeter
• investigate positive displacement (PD) flow transmitters
• investigate magnetic flow transmitters
• investigate ultrasonic and Doppler flow transmitters
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing hands-on experience with the installation and configuration of smart transmitters and
control valves
• training in troubleshooting and servicing of all transmitters and controlling equipment
• providing access to loop wiring diagrams and maintenance documentation

Technical Communications 20 hours

• explain the process of communication
• prepare industry documents
• prepare written instructions
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• exposure to failure documentation, maintenance logs and technical reports
• emphasizing the importance of communications within operations

Level Four 10 weeks 300 hours

Process Applications 20 hours
• describe basic industrial boiler control
• apply boiler control principles using simulation software

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 • describe fundamental process of mining
• describe fundamental aspects of petroleum refining
• describe fundamental process of pulp and paper production
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing familiarization with boiler systems and controls

Data Communications 70 hours

• explain the function of the local area networks (LAN) devices
• explain some of the common network access methods
• evaluate the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
environment and what functions this equipment performs
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing training in the communication systems of the plant
• providing exposure to system administration and configuration

Analytical Instruments – Theory 50 hours

• describe chromatography measurement principles
• describe oxygen measurement principles
• describe pH measurement principles
• describe ORP measurement principles
• describe conductivity measurement principles
• describe toxic and combustible gas measurement principles
Analytical Instruments – Shop 40 hours
• apply chromatography measurement principles
• apply oxygen measurement principles
• apply pH measurement principles
• apply ORP measurement principles
• apply conductivity measurement principles
• apply toxic and combustible gas measurement principles
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing hands-on training on available analytical instrumentation

Programmable Logic Controllers 40 hours

• evaluate modular PLC system components
• prepare modules for use in an application
• configure a programmable logic controller
• apply commonly used programming techniques
• apply system design principles
• troubleshoot the PLC system
• service the PLC system
• implement SIS (Safety Instrumented Systems)

Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing training on the installation, programming and troubleshooting of PLCs

Distribution Systems 50 hours

• identify DCS system architectures
• identify structure and terminology of DCS systems

20 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019

 • configure HART field devices using AMS or hand held communicator
• configure monitoring modules
• configure PID (proportional, integral, derivative) modules
• configure a cascade control strategy
• create an operator graphics display
• configure discrete control modules
• operate and tune control loops
• configure I/O of a distributed control system (DCS)
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing exposure to DCS system
• if possible, training in configuration, operation and troubleshooting of a DCS system

Instrument Control 30 hours

• configure digital controllers
• incorporate digital controllers in a process application
• tune a process using Lambda tuning
• configure a controller using configuration software
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing hands-on experience with controller tuning and process optimization
• providing exposure to a variety of control strategies

21 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019

Consider apprenticeship training as an investment in the future of your company and in the future
of your workforce. Ultimately, skilled and certified workers increase your bottom line.

Get involved in the apprenticeship training system. Your commitment to training helps to maintain
the integrity of the trade.

Do you have employees who have been working in the trade for a number of years but don’t have
trade certification? Contact your local apprenticeship office for details on how they might obtain
the certification they need.

Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission

2140 Hamilton St Regina SK S4P 2E3
Tel: (306) 787-2444
Fax: (306) 787-5105
Toll Free: 1-877-363-0536
Website: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

District Offices
Estevan (306) 637-4930
La Ronge (306) 425-4385
Moose Jaw (306) 694-3735
North Battleford (306) 446-7409
Prince Albert (306) 953-2632
Saskatoon (306) 933-8476
Swift Current (306) 778-8945
Yorkton (306) 786-1394

22 On-the-Job Training Guide – Instrumentation and Control Technician – July 2019